Ballyhaunis Benefits From Ulster Bank RugbyForce

Over 30 local volunteers, club members and Ulster Bank staff lined-out in Ballyhaunis Rugby Club this weekend as part of Ulster Bank RugbyForce - a community initiative which provides rugby clubs with support to renovate their club and upgrade their facilities.

Ballyhaunis RFC was recently announced as the Connacht winners of a support package worth €5,000.

As part of the Ulster Bank RugbyForce weekend, Ballyhaunis RFC began planning the further development of their underage structure and the introduction of a quality infrastructure for the club's young players.

The club also began working towards the introduction of additional equipment, coaching and transport facilities.

Robert Duffy, Ballyhaunis RFC, said: "We are delighted to have been named winner of the Ulster Bank RugbyForce support package.

"Raising funds to maintain the club's facilities is an ongoing challenge and with the Ulster Bank RugbyForce support package, along with the assistance of some kind volunteers and members, we are able to continue to improve the club's facilities.

"We also intend to direct some of the funding to towards developing our underage structure and teams. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Ulster Bank for their generous and much needed support."

Speaking at Ballyhaunis RFC's Ulster Bank RugbyForce weekend, John Dempsey, Branch Manager, Ulster Bank Ballyhaunis, said: "Ulster Bank RugbyForce has proved to be a great success once again this year.

"The initiative aims to support the grassroots of Irish rugby and evidently, that support is embedded in this community with volunteers of all ages lining out to support the club this weekend.

"With the help of everyone here today, the club has been able to work towards the introduction of additional equipment which will allow the club to grow.

"It is important that rugby fans in the area know they don't have to travel great distances to see a great rugby match.

"That message, along with some great work, has been delivered this weekend and hopefully Ballyhaunis rugby club has gained some new supporters and potential players."

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